About this time last year we decided to convert our home swimming pool over to a Salt Water system. The idea being it was that it would say money on chlorine costs (& a couple other benifits...)
Our pool is approximately 12,000 gallons, not the largest certainly, but because of building plans our backyard has a 16 foot property easement (due to power lines, which never got installed) that we are not allowed to build on.
For this size pool you need approximately 3500-4200 ppm of salt to be in the typical range. Which takes around 300 lbs of salt initially. (you can get 40lb bags of pool salt at HD for around 6$)
After running strong for several months we noticed our INTEX (cheaper choice) (above-ground salt system, they work for in-ground as well) kept having a reading saying low salt. Of course we added salt for awhile, then decided it was wrong. Bought some salt test strips to confirm, and sure enough, it was delivering false readings.
With are inquisitive minds, we decided we could fix it no problem. Took a look at it, easily noticed the salt cell was heavily coated with calcium buildup, we then decided to fix the issue.
STEPS TO FIXING ISSUE:
1. TURN OFF POOL PUMPS.
2. UNHOOK WATER LINES FROM REAR
3. FILL ENTIRE RESERVOIR WITH HOUSEHOLD VINEGAR
4. ALLOW 30-45 MINUTES TO SOAK
5. POUR OUT VINEGAR, REMOVE CELL BY UNPLUGGING POWER CORD
6. RINSE CELL WITH WATER TO REMOVE REMAINING DEPOSITS (WE HAD TO GET A FLAT-HEAD SCREWDRIVER)
7. REPLACE IN HOUSING, RECONNECT HOSES
8. TURN ON PUMP, THEN SALT SYSTEM
ALL OF THE WHITE DEPOSITS ON THE CELL SHOULD BE REMOVED DURING THE PROCESS, WE FORGOT TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THE FINISHED PRDUCT! SORRY!
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS OR TIPS FEEL FREE TO COMMENT OR EMAIL US!